The Christmas spirit and the generosity of those who embrace it come in many manners and sizes.
The Toy for Joy Christmas campaign relies and thrives on such charitable support. An early online donation, sent with the simple yet poignant wish of “Happy Holidays from Susan” boosted the drive by a benevolent and kindhearted $5,000.
Countless children and families will be smiling this Christmas, and recipients of toys and books they would have otherwise been left without, because of Susan’s generous contribution.
The large donations make a difference — and so do all the others. No contribution is too big or too small. They all go to the children of Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties who count on Toy for Joy, now in its 102nd year, to allow them to share the holiday joy experienced by the more fortunate.
Toy for Joy is sponsored by the Salvation Army, and promoted and advertised by The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino.
The campaign is also supported by volunteers from individuals and groups. Among those pitching in are Eversource and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office.
“Eversource is again coming to our support, both in terms of volunteer support and donations,” said Danielle LaTaille, Salvation Army social services director. “Their volunteers will donate at least one day of their time and services. We are grateful for all the support from these organizations.”
With a campaign goal of $150,000, the donation season continues until Christmas Eve, December 24. All donations will be recognized and published in The Republican and Reminder Publications.
A coupon published with Toy for Joy stories may be used to submit a contribution by mail to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103.
Donors can also make online contributions at https://give.salvationarmy.org/give/212002/#!/donation/checkout.
Registration took place in early November and is closed.
“We’re putting together our master list of clients and out schedule. We’ll be ready,” LaTaille said.
Information about pickup can be found at the registration link, which is https://www.salvationarmyma.org/toyforjoy.
Distribution will be at the Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield locations of the Salvation Army. Details for pickup vary based on location, and those details for each site are available on the link.
Distribution days at the Springfield Citadel at 170 Pearl Street will be December 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18. In Holyoke and Greenfield, distribution dates and times were assigned upon registration, which is required for all recipients.
Each child will receive toys, games, and books. Applicants will receive an email confirmation with their toy distribution date and time.
They must bring their email confirmation and photo ID for pickup. Their pickup time will be listed under “Order Summary.”
More information can be obtained by calling 733-1518.
